Patrones antropométricos y consumo máximo de oxígeno (Vo₂) entre niños escolares chilenos aymaras y no aymaras de 10 a 12 años, que viven en altura (3.500 msnm) y en la planicie (500 msnm)

The objective of this study was to evaluate weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) in a sample of 73 students of 10 to 12 years from Putre to 3500 meters of altitude (n = 31) and San Miguel de Azapa, 500 meters of altitude (n = 42). Subjects were grouped according origin, gender, and aymara and non-aymara ethnic. The results show a significant decrease in anthropometric patterns in children of Putre compared with students from San Miguel de Azapa. Girls and boys Aymara of Putre have a BMI below normal (<20). Boys Aymara from San Miguel de Azapa have a significantly greater weight than boys non-aymara, however all students from San Miguel express a normal BMI. The distance traveled in meters (Test of 6 minutes of continuous running) and maximal oxygen consumption in liters per minute (VO₂), not show significant differences by gender, ethnicity and geographic origin. We conclude that multistressful environment of the high altitude (hypobaric hypoxia, low temperatures and socioeconomic status), would have a major impact on child growth, and maximum oxygen consumption, possibly reflecting adaptive mechanisms of boys and girls from Putre.